30 May, 2006
Wish You Were Here . . . Err . . . Um . . Maybe Not
I am going on vacation with my lovely wife. We will be here for a few days then to a wedding. Hope you are having fun too! See ya next month!!!
28 May, 2006
I Gotta Get Something Off My Breast
We were talking about our someday-adopted baby the other day. AJWP told me about a product she heard about on the La Leche League’s website. It is a contraption for adoptive mothers to breast feed their children. We discussed how she would be comfortable with it. I got sort of anxious as I thought about it. She explained how having skin on skin contact with the baby helps in the bonding process both ways. AJWP, always super supportive of me, saw me grimacing suggested I could nurse the child with a bottle topless to get the skin on skin bonding thing going. She said my nervousness would fade quickly and that in no time, I would be comfortable showering with the baby.
I just don’t know. Really, I don’t. I understand it in my head, partially, but the rest of me feels like this is a danger zone I must avoid completely. No nakeness with the baby (well, of course it will be naked when bathing, getting changed, getting dressed, etc.). I know this is a direct result of being molested as a child by a woman. I have overly compensated with my boundaries around children to avoid EVER doing something like that to any child. I do know what not to do, but don’t know what to do. I hate it that she, the one who abused me, still messes with me after so many years.
I am sure I will be fine with this once our baby comes home and the baby and I get used to one another. I am sure I will talk with my therapist about these feelings. I am sure the patient AJWP will reassure me lovingly and walk with me through this dark place within my soul. I just was carrying around this fear since we started talking about having a baby and wanted to put it somewhere. So I am turning off the comments because I know I am all right, I know this is normal given my history, and because I know it will work out ok. I just wanted to say it.
I just don’t know. Really, I don’t. I understand it in my head, partially, but the rest of me feels like this is a danger zone I must avoid completely. No nakeness with the baby (well, of course it will be naked when bathing, getting changed, getting dressed, etc.). I know this is a direct result of being molested as a child by a woman. I have overly compensated with my boundaries around children to avoid EVER doing something like that to any child. I do know what not to do, but don’t know what to do. I hate it that she, the one who abused me, still messes with me after so many years.
I am sure I will be fine with this once our baby comes home and the baby and I get used to one another. I am sure I will talk with my therapist about these feelings. I am sure the patient AJWP will reassure me lovingly and walk with me through this dark place within my soul. I just was carrying around this fear since we started talking about having a baby and wanted to put it somewhere. So I am turning off the comments because I know I am all right, I know this is normal given my history, and because I know it will work out ok. I just wanted to say it.
Am I a Man?
I got sir-d on the street yesterday. Some man called me "Sir" as he approached me for money for food. He apologized profusely after seeing his mistake. The other day, it happened on the train. The conductor said, "Good morning, sir." and then immediately apologized after seeing his mistake. He sees me nearly every morning and looked very embarrassed. Later, AJWP and I were heading to the bathroom at a rest-stop on the Pike and this woman was walking out of the restroom. Her eyes got all wide and started to open her mouth, but then realized I was a woman and smiled sheepishly at me.
My mother used to accuse me of trying to be a man, as I would dress androgynously or engage in “non-lady-like” activities or even try to discuss with her about being a lesbian. She could never understand that being a lesbian is not about being a man. It is about expressing my sexuality as I am, a woman who is attracted to women. It gets confusing when you add in gender role expression. I am not a feminine woman who likes dresses and lace. I like button up shirts, jeans, long shorts, Doc Martins, and boxers. I also like to cook, knit, and cry easily at romantic movies. I hate make-up and fingernail polish and wear my hair very short. But I paint my toenails with bright colors and sparkles. I am a mixture of male and female roles. I am a queer woman. And I am happy as I am.
I know that my marriage sort of resemble a very traditional male/female marriage on the outside. I commute to work, travel for work, use power tools, repair broken things, etc. AJWP works from home caring for children, does the bulk of the house cleaning, does much of the laundry, organizes our social schedule, etc. Somedays I feel like my female friends are starting to interact with me like I am the male in a couple. I don't get asked to decorate for parties and weddings but AJWP does. They discuss cooking, house work, and crafting with her. They attempt to commiserate with my wife about husband trouble. It is so weird because I am not a man nor am I trying to resemble one.
I wonder if people, even our close friends, still struggle to see us as we really are instead of lumping us into the preset categories we all have in our minds. We look like a traditional male/female marriage so I wonder if people just view us that way. But we are not. What we are doing is radically different. We have co-opted the traditional heterosexual rights of passage such as buying a house, getting married, and having kids and made those rights of passage our own. It is radical because we are most definitely two woman doing this, not male and female or butch and fem. We are both woman so we interact and negotiate, I believe, vastly different from many heterosexual couples.
I think it may be easier to see things in the pre-existing categories we all have in our heads rather than seeing something as it really is. Our marriage, and believe me we know this, looks so very traditional but it is so very radical as well.
My mother used to accuse me of trying to be a man, as I would dress androgynously or engage in “non-lady-like” activities or even try to discuss with her about being a lesbian. She could never understand that being a lesbian is not about being a man. It is about expressing my sexuality as I am, a woman who is attracted to women. It gets confusing when you add in gender role expression. I am not a feminine woman who likes dresses and lace. I like button up shirts, jeans, long shorts, Doc Martins, and boxers. I also like to cook, knit, and cry easily at romantic movies. I hate make-up and fingernail polish and wear my hair very short. But I paint my toenails with bright colors and sparkles. I am a mixture of male and female roles. I am a queer woman. And I am happy as I am.
I know that my marriage sort of resemble a very traditional male/female marriage on the outside. I commute to work, travel for work, use power tools, repair broken things, etc. AJWP works from home caring for children, does the bulk of the house cleaning, does much of the laundry, organizes our social schedule, etc. Somedays I feel like my female friends are starting to interact with me like I am the male in a couple. I don't get asked to decorate for parties and weddings but AJWP does. They discuss cooking, house work, and crafting with her. They attempt to commiserate with my wife about husband trouble. It is so weird because I am not a man nor am I trying to resemble one.
I wonder if people, even our close friends, still struggle to see us as we really are instead of lumping us into the preset categories we all have in our minds. We look like a traditional male/female marriage so I wonder if people just view us that way. But we are not. What we are doing is radically different. We have co-opted the traditional heterosexual rights of passage such as buying a house, getting married, and having kids and made those rights of passage our own. It is radical because we are most definitely two woman doing this, not male and female or butch and fem. We are both woman so we interact and negotiate, I believe, vastly different from many heterosexual couples.
I think it may be easier to see things in the pre-existing categories we all have in our heads rather than seeing something as it really is. Our marriage, and believe me we know this, looks so very traditional but it is so very radical as well.
On My List
The Dog and Cats are on my list this morning. It is our vacation. AJWP and I have not taken one for five years that did not include visiting family or house work. We have a whole week off together (which is the first time ever she and I are off for an entire week together)! So why, why, WHY I ask you, do the animals not realize that we are on vacation and that they can sleep in too? No, 5 AM the antics start. The cats purring and meowing for food. The dog jumping around and pouncing on the cats and us. The cats growling and running toward and away from the dog. The dog whining for food, to go out, for the kitties to play. And AJWP can sleep through ANYTHING except the dog barking or a bomb dropped on her head. She misses all the fun, while I am cursed by being a light sleeper. So I get up, walk the dog, feed the dog and cats, tell them all they are on my list, and bring the dictionary to them and encourage them to study the meaning of vacation before tomorrow mornings and maybe, just maybe, they will not start up the morning antics tomorrow until 8 AM.
24 May, 2006
Back on the Train
Well, I am back riding the train every day after three weeks of driving in to work. It was very nice of work to allow me to park for free for three weeks because of my sprained and broken ankle. So a big shout out to work for parking!
But with having driven for three weeks, I have a new found tolerance for the train. There are benefits and drawbacks to both.
Driving
But with having driven for three weeks, I have a new found tolerance for the train. There are benefits and drawbacks to both.
Driving
- I have my personal space
- I can listen to NPR
- I have more freedom to come and go
Train
- I can sleep, knit, read, and work on my blog entries.
- There are not regular 1-2 hour traffic jams.
- I leave as early as I did driving and actually get home earlier on the train.
- I don't have to fill up the gas tank as often.
I guess the train kind of wins out.
On a frustrating note, the MBTA is planning a 25% rate hike which would make my pass cost $250 a month. This is without making the service any better. I think it is insane. Some days, I feel like everyone just wants a bigger piece of my paycheck.
Also, I wrote this before the commutes of the last 36 hours, which were a nightmare. Well, a bad dream. Monday evening, I walked to the subway that takes me to the train station. I waited over a half hour for the subway, which is supposed to run every six minutes. Because of the delay, I missed my train and had to wait for the next, a local, which got me home an hour late.
Then Tuesday morning, my train was stopped for quite some time due to "signal problems." Then when we were finally able to move again, the powers that be turned the express into a local so we added another 20 minutes to a very late train. By the time we arrived at my stop, the train was an hour late.
It is a toss up as to which is better.
23 May, 2006
22 May, 2006
Champagne Punch
Some of you got my emails asking for champagne punch recipes for the party yesterday. I got two different recipes but for one reason or another, we could not find all of the ingredients. They say desperation is the mother of invention (or something like that) (Give me a break, it is five o'fucking clock in the fucking morning and we were up late!), so this is what I came up with.
One carton of Tropicana OJ
One bottle of Champagne
Some grenedine for color
Frozen raspberries and mango to float on top and chill the punch.
Mix and drink liberally.
That punch was the hit of the party and was delicious. It is very mimosa-ish but since it was in the punch bowl, it was called punch.
AJWP had a great time at her party and said many times how wonderful it was to not worry about a thing and just chat with her friends. Our little house was filled with friends and the party lasted about six hours. We both love that we have so many great friends who are diverse but all come together and enjoy each others company.
One carton of Tropicana OJ
One bottle of Champagne
Some grenedine for color
Frozen raspberries and mango to float on top and chill the punch.
Mix and drink liberally.
That punch was the hit of the party and was delicious. It is very mimosa-ish but since it was in the punch bowl, it was called punch.
AJWP had a great time at her party and said many times how wonderful it was to not worry about a thing and just chat with her friends. Our little house was filled with friends and the party lasted about six hours. We both love that we have so many great friends who are diverse but all come together and enjoy each others company.
21 May, 2006
Spic-n-Span
My wife's birthday is Monday and we are having a party here today for her. When planning the party, she would get all stressed out about having it at the house because of all the cleaning that has to be done before having someone over. She thought it would fall on her since she is home more than I. I told her I would take care of everything and not to worry.
It worked out well because yesterday, she and her Psychic Twin went to have a day of beauty. I started at 11 AM and cleaned until 8:30 pm. I foolishly did some deep cleaning that had been eating at me like thoroughly cleaning the stove and scrubbing the entire kitchen floor on my hands and knees. Both look great but it ate up so much time. AJWP came home around 5 or 6 and did pitch in dusting upstairs and putting away the clothes. But she was relaxed and happy and not stressed about her party. Which makes my back ache today (from scrubbing that floor) worth it.
And the sun is out. Let's hope it stays out so we can have hot dogs on the grill as she planned! Gotta love the AJWP! She is the best.
It worked out well because yesterday, she and her Psychic Twin went to have a day of beauty. I started at 11 AM and cleaned until 8:30 pm. I foolishly did some deep cleaning that had been eating at me like thoroughly cleaning the stove and scrubbing the entire kitchen floor on my hands and knees. Both look great but it ate up so much time. AJWP came home around 5 or 6 and did pitch in dusting upstairs and putting away the clothes. But she was relaxed and happy and not stressed about her party. Which makes my back ache today (from scrubbing that floor) worth it.
And the sun is out. Let's hope it stays out so we can have hot dogs on the grill as she planned! Gotta love the AJWP! She is the best.
18 May, 2006
Guilt
I finally got an email from my parents. It was a simple email, inquiring about my sprained ankle and the flooding happening in Massachusetts. It spoke volumes in what was said and what was not said. The email seemed to say to me “We care about you. We are thinking of you. We love you.” It did not say “We got your letter. We had no idea that we hurt you. We are sorry.”
When I closed my email and went to bed that night, I left a door open and guilt snuck in as I slept. I awoke smothered in it and carried it around all day. A myriad of guilty voices spoke to me throughout the day, saying “I'm not trying hard enough to fix this relationship. It is my fault entirely. I should be grateful to have anything from them. Why don’t they love me? Imust be the good daughter.” The weight of this guilt was tremendous.
The guilt worked by separating my entire history into seperate incidents not related the the whole. Looking at such small sections of my life, it was easy to then feel guilty for my actions. Looking at only a fraction of the puzzle, the full picture was not evident and it was easy to see my actions as over the top. It was not until I was half way through my therapy session that I realized how guilt had disassembled my history and disarmed me. The second I saw everything together, the guilt vanished and I could cope with my parents’ limited response.
They may only be able to express interest in a small section of me. I can tolerate that to a point but if they slight my marriage, my history, or my homosexuality, I will tell them again. And next time, I will be on the look out for open doors that the guilt may sneak through.
When I closed my email and went to bed that night, I left a door open and guilt snuck in as I slept. I awoke smothered in it and carried it around all day. A myriad of guilty voices spoke to me throughout the day, saying “I'm not trying hard enough to fix this relationship. It is my fault entirely. I should be grateful to have anything from them. Why don’t they love me? Imust be the good daughter.” The weight of this guilt was tremendous.
The guilt worked by separating my entire history into seperate incidents not related the the whole. Looking at such small sections of my life, it was easy to then feel guilty for my actions. Looking at only a fraction of the puzzle, the full picture was not evident and it was easy to see my actions as over the top. It was not until I was half way through my therapy session that I realized how guilt had disassembled my history and disarmed me. The second I saw everything together, the guilt vanished and I could cope with my parents’ limited response.
They may only be able to express interest in a small section of me. I can tolerate that to a point but if they slight my marriage, my history, or my homosexuality, I will tell them again. And next time, I will be on the look out for open doors that the guilt may sneak through.
Nerd Girl Strikes Again!
Oh My GOD! I just got the proofs of my thesis from the editor of the Journal of Music Therapy! I could explode with happiness and excitement! My thesis is going to be published!!!
I know, I know, some people dream of nice cars, big weddings, children, or beautiful houses. Me, I dream of doing research. I know something in my head is just not right. But ever since I was in my undergraduate studies, I have dreamed of being a music therapy researcher. When we would read articles for class, I would look at the title pages and dream of the day my name would be there and people would cite my research. I probably should have paid more attention to the reading and less to the day dream. Oh well. Who cares now because I will be published in the journal this summer! I could do a scarf dance, I am so happy!!
I know, I know, some people dream of nice cars, big weddings, children, or beautiful houses. Me, I dream of doing research. I know something in my head is just not right. But ever since I was in my undergraduate studies, I have dreamed of being a music therapy researcher. When we would read articles for class, I would look at the title pages and dream of the day my name would be there and people would cite my research. I probably should have paid more attention to the reading and less to the day dream. Oh well. Who cares now because I will be published in the journal this summer! I could do a scarf dance, I am so happy!!
15 May, 2006
Money
Sometimes, money just flows though your fingers like water through a sieve. I hate those times.
14 May, 2006
Post-Wedding Report
The wedding gig went well yesterday. There were a few snafus but it all turned out good in the end. The guests arrived earlier than expected and were very talkative. When I went to start the prelude music, no one could hear me. I had thought an amp would have been a good idea but the brides thought it would not be necessary. I think it was ok though because the guests were having a nice time without the prelude music. The song that really counted was the one during the lighting of the unity candle. My wife snapped this picture then. That song went well and everyone was quietly listening. The brides where pleased with the performance which is all that matters. Many people also asked me if I play out and it was suggested I play at a local lesbian bar that features lesbian musicians weekly. Maybe I have a career in music! Oh wait, I already do.
It is always such an honor to be asked to participate in someone’s wedding. AJWP and I ended up spending the morning each with one of the brides. I went with L to her make-up and hair appointments as well as breakfast. AJWP spent the morning helping Y decorate the site. Both Y and L thanked us profusely for helping out. I think they were not just thanking us for our willingness to help them out but also for just being there to support them and share in the excitement and difficulties of the day. But I think that is just what friends do for friends.
Oh, and we did not do the Electric Slide.
09 May, 2006
Wedding Songs
I have been practicing for playing at my friends' wedding two to four hours a day. My fingers are getting tough. The wedding is just a few days away. I am nervous about the performance. I usually get nervous before I perform which is a good sign. When I have not been nervous, I fuck it up royally.
So, here is the list. I am still finalizing the order of the songs.
La Bamba (they wanted it)
Wild Horses (ala Sundays not Rolling Stones)
At Last (Etta James)
By your Side (Sade)
Sweet Jane (ala Cowboy Junkies not Lou Reed)
La Isla Bonita (Madonna)
My Baby Just Cares for Me (Nina Simone)
Thank You (Dido)
You Dance (East Mountian South)
Maybe Tomorrow (Stereophonics)
Forever My Friend (Ray LaMontagne)
Time after Time (Cyndi Lauper)
Lovesong (Cure)
Friday I'm in Love (Cure)
During their ceremony, as they light the unity candle, I will be playing "We Walk the Same Line" by Everything but the Girl. It is a pretty eclectic group of songs but I think it reflects them. I am just so honored to have been asked to play before the ceremony and then during the unity candle. I am touched L thinks so highly of my music skills.
So, here is the list. I am still finalizing the order of the songs.
La Bamba (they wanted it)
Wild Horses (ala Sundays not Rolling Stones)
At Last (Etta James)
By your Side (Sade)
Sweet Jane (ala Cowboy Junkies not Lou Reed)
La Isla Bonita (Madonna)
My Baby Just Cares for Me (Nina Simone)
Thank You (Dido)
You Dance (East Mountian South)
Maybe Tomorrow (Stereophonics)
Forever My Friend (Ray LaMontagne)
Time after Time (Cyndi Lauper)
Lovesong (Cure)
Friday I'm in Love (Cure)
During their ceremony, as they light the unity candle, I will be playing "We Walk the Same Line" by Everything but the Girl. It is a pretty eclectic group of songs but I think it reflects them. I am just so honored to have been asked to play before the ceremony and then during the unity candle. I am touched L thinks so highly of my music skills.
08 May, 2006
Weekend Booty
Look what I bought this weekend!
I LOVE my new Birkenstocks!!!
At IKEA, we found this for the kitties.
Sale Items from Lindt Chocolate!! Yes!
I also got a new pair of jeans from Old Navy.
I did not have the stress my wife had jeans shopping.
Oh, I also got the DivaCup.
I'll let you know how it works out.
To end, a picture of our dog, Clara!
It was a great weekend with my wife, dog, and cats.
Thanks Baby!
I LOVE my new Birkenstocks!!!
At IKEA, we found this for the kitties.
Sale Items from Lindt Chocolate!! Yes!
I also got a new pair of jeans from Old Navy.
I did not have the stress my wife had jeans shopping.
Oh, I also got the DivaCup.
I'll let you know how it works out.
To end, a picture of our dog, Clara!
It was a great weekend with my wife, dog, and cats.
Thanks Baby!
04 May, 2006
A Gentle Smile Touches My Lips
A weight was lifted the day I sent that letter to my parents. Since that day, I do not feel the drudgery of each day. I want to sing more. I am silly more. My head is clearer. And a gentle smile touches my lips.
An Explanation
I know I am a nut when it comes to fire and electricity (refering to my first comment here). I am well aware that I over react. I am not disputing this; I own it completely without shame.
You see, I work at a pediatric burn hospital as a music therapist. Every day at work, I see the effects of fire, electricity, scalds, and chemicals. I am with children through their dressing changes when they are initially burned. I am with them as they go through physical and occupational therapy after the injury or a surgery. I am with them as they come back for subsequent surgeries to enhance function and appearance. I see, hear, and know what happens. I never ever want that to happen to my beloved, my friends, me, or anyone.
My beloved AJWP has to endure my nuttiness. I don’t tell her much of what I see, read, hear, and know because I cope best by keeping the tragedies of work at work and not at home. She hears some stories of the ones I just cannot shake off. So when she has to look in my earnest but slightly crazed eyes when I get all het up, she is kind and humors me. I think she senses all I do not say and understands the fear working around such trauma can create.
Lest you think I am the sole nut, let me assure you, I am not. All my coworkers (Child Life Specialists, PTs, OTs, nurses, etc.) all talk about how we have become hyper-vigilant because of working where we do. And none of us are apologetic for our craze. No, we embrace it.
You see, I work at a pediatric burn hospital as a music therapist. Every day at work, I see the effects of fire, electricity, scalds, and chemicals. I am with children through their dressing changes when they are initially burned. I am with them as they go through physical and occupational therapy after the injury or a surgery. I am with them as they come back for subsequent surgeries to enhance function and appearance. I see, hear, and know what happens. I never ever want that to happen to my beloved, my friends, me, or anyone.
My beloved AJWP has to endure my nuttiness. I don’t tell her much of what I see, read, hear, and know because I cope best by keeping the tragedies of work at work and not at home. She hears some stories of the ones I just cannot shake off. So when she has to look in my earnest but slightly crazed eyes when I get all het up, she is kind and humors me. I think she senses all I do not say and understands the fear working around such trauma can create.
Lest you think I am the sole nut, let me assure you, I am not. All my coworkers (Child Life Specialists, PTs, OTs, nurses, etc.) all talk about how we have become hyper-vigilant because of working where we do. And none of us are apologetic for our craze. No, we embrace it.
Power to the People 2
So, a few months ago, Peaches showed me an article in Bust Magazine about a product called RapeX. It is a latex thing, much like the female condom that has barbs in it that hook onto a penis when inserted. They have to be surgically removed. This protects women and helps to identify the perpetrator. They are still designing it but I thought it was a rad idea. So I wrote to them when I read about it.
Low and behold, today I get an email from them saying they are getting closer to putting the product for sale and are going to try to do internet sales too. At the bottom of the email are what they term as “Some Heartwarming Responses.” Included was mine. How funny is that? Here is what I wrote:
I wanted to say thank you for inventing the product. No one else is protecting us, not legislators, not police, not military, not men, so it is up to us to protect ourselves. What a wonderful idea and effects!! Women are lucky to have your inventive mind working towards our protection. I salute you!
I thought it was wicked funny to see myself as a “Heart Warming Response.” At a time I am feeling like the common person cannot make a change in the machinations of society and government, twice in a week, I see my words listened to. Who knew?
Low and behold, today I get an email from them saying they are getting closer to putting the product for sale and are going to try to do internet sales too. At the bottom of the email are what they term as “Some Heartwarming Responses.” Included was mine. How funny is that? Here is what I wrote:
I wanted to say thank you for inventing the product. No one else is protecting us, not legislators, not police, not military, not men, so it is up to us to protect ourselves. What a wonderful idea and effects!! Women are lucky to have your inventive mind working towards our protection. I salute you!
I thought it was wicked funny to see myself as a “Heart Warming Response.” At a time I am feeling like the common person cannot make a change in the machinations of society and government, twice in a week, I see my words listened to. Who knew?
02 May, 2006
Power to the People
This morning I logged onto Yahoo to check my email account. When ever I am there, I always check the news items they are featuring because I am curious what is reported and how. I was horrified to see a story by the Associated Press entitled “1 Million Immigrants Skip Work for Rally.” I so upset that immediately emailed the AP this message:
"I have for a very long time valued the news that the AP provides as clear, unbiased, and important. This is why I am disappointed so at your story this morning on Yahoo entitled “1 Million Immigrants Skip Work for Rally.” Are you aware that the language for the title is degrading immigrants? When white people rally for a particular cause, it is usually reported as "gather for rally" or "marching” or “come together in support for.” However, with immigrants, you choose to say “skip work.” It is offensive that when someone who is not white or part of the “mainstream” is reported as skipping work when the same action by white people is reported in a more positive manner. It disgusts me that after the awareness that came from the reports after Katrina of white people gathering supplies and black people looting that your news agency would not have more sensitivity around the language you choose for stories. Please pass my comments to the author of the story, Gillian Flaccus, as well as the editors who approved of this language. It is wrong and disgusting. In addition, please remedy this immediately changing the title of the story to reflect an unbiased reporting of the events of yesterday."
I was surprised to see that when I checked the web page within an hour that the story title had changed. I am not sure if the entire story changed but the title shown on Yahoo reads “Immigrants try to extend boycott momentum.” I am shocked at the thought that maybe my email helped to change this but maybe I am just dreaming.
Regardless of where everyone stands on the issue of immigrant rights, I think it is wicked important for us all to stand up and speak out against racist and classist language used in the media and by others. Immigrants are humans and deserve to be respected.
"I have for a very long time valued the news that the AP provides as clear, unbiased, and important. This is why I am disappointed so at your story this morning on Yahoo entitled “1 Million Immigrants Skip Work for Rally.” Are you aware that the language for the title is degrading immigrants? When white people rally for a particular cause, it is usually reported as "gather for rally" or "marching” or “come together in support for.” However, with immigrants, you choose to say “skip work.” It is offensive that when someone who is not white or part of the “mainstream” is reported as skipping work when the same action by white people is reported in a more positive manner. It disgusts me that after the awareness that came from the reports after Katrina of white people gathering supplies and black people looting that your news agency would not have more sensitivity around the language you choose for stories. Please pass my comments to the author of the story, Gillian Flaccus, as well as the editors who approved of this language. It is wrong and disgusting. In addition, please remedy this immediately changing the title of the story to reflect an unbiased reporting of the events of yesterday."
I was surprised to see that when I checked the web page within an hour that the story title had changed. I am not sure if the entire story changed but the title shown on Yahoo reads “Immigrants try to extend boycott momentum.” I am shocked at the thought that maybe my email helped to change this but maybe I am just dreaming.
Regardless of where everyone stands on the issue of immigrant rights, I think it is wicked important for us all to stand up and speak out against racist and classist language used in the media and by others. Immigrants are humans and deserve to be respected.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
